Re: Empty Bottle Support Group 2011

Originally Posted by drunk

Just finished my first FRSB - OBSF. Right up there with the best of them. Thinking of going with OBSK next. Any suggestions? Love the spicier high rye ones.

OBSK would fit that description then...I would go OBSK, OBSV, OESO as my three favorite recipes. Binny's has decent selections but I've certainly had better bottlings...I would rate those selections as a B+/A- as some of them exhibit a bit more heat then I prefer.

Re: Empty Bottle Support Group 2011

Originally Posted by hectic1

OBSK would fit that description then...I would go OBSK, OBSV, OESO as my three favorite recipes. Binny's has decent selections but I've certainly had better bottlings...I would rate those selections as a B+/A- as some of them exhibit a bit more heat then I prefer.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've eventually try all 10. Would you mind elaborating on the better bottlings you've had? Have you tracked down the Julio's or Party Source ones?

Re: Empty Bottle Support Group 2011

Originally Posted by drunk

Thanks for the suggestions. I've eventually try all 10. Would you mind elaborating on the better bottlings you've had? Have you tracked down the Julio's or Party Source ones?

I've been fortunate to be part of or had access to a couple private barrel selections over the last couple years that we're sold through liquor stores. It's not that retail bottles are bad it's just they aren't always A+ bottlings IMO like some that I have had the privilage of tasting. You have to remember that most large chains have mulitiple locations and most barrels are going to yield somewhere in the 115-125 bottle range. That means that each store will get approximately 6-12 bottles so it doesn't have to be the best stuff on the planet to move. If you're buying a barrel for a group of 5-10 guys and each of you is throwing your hat in the ring for 12-18 bottles you're most likely going to be much more selective in that you're going to have to drink a lot of it. This is just my opinion but I'd be willing to throw $$ down that the 3 bottles of FR's that I have here that weren't available throw a store would top any of the offerings from the liquor stores that do private barrels...different goal when buying for yourself vs. a store. I have bottles here from multiple stores across the nation and none of them are as good as their counter part that was picked by a group of bourbon dorks who are in it for the bourbon vs selling it. It's not just the retail bottles either...I've had 2 different 40th bottlings and 2 different 120th bottlings and I would take our OESO and OBSK over those bottles too. If you can get enough guys together and find a liquor store that is willing to accept the bottles it's worth picking your own barrel!